Expanding the Army for War

Otto City, Hechingen Province (formerly Pretoria, Republic of the Transvaal).

"Under government orders, veterans must register again and remain ready to answer military call-ups at any time. Adult men who are not soldiers or veterans must also undergo government-arranged paramilitary training in their spare time. This August, military training will be conducted in the surrounding rural areas."

In southern Africa, July through October was the dry season, as well as the slack season for farming. Hechingen Province itself did not have a particularly large agricultural sector, so this would not have much impact on agriculture.

"Director Hlaid, is there going to be a war? Or is this a requirement from Otto City Hall?"

"The order came from the central government. All five southern provinces are resuming regular militia training, not just Otto City. Besides, militia training used to be a long-standing tradition in East Africa. Many new immigrants do not know that, but you can verify it with the older immigrants. As for whether war will break out, we have received no notice. However, as a border province, Hechingen Province should always attach importance to border defense."

The southern part of East Africa entering a state of war readiness ahead of time did indeed cause some panic, especially in Matabele Province. Many immigrants had grown used to peaceful lives, and the sudden possibility of war easily stirred up memories of Europe and the Far East.

"What's there to fear? When we first came to East Africa, there was never a break in the fighting. Back then, Africa was full of native tribes, and all kinds of wild animals on the grasslands were dangerous too. Disease threatened us as well. We've only enjoyed a few good years, but we can't forget how recently we escaped from war."

"Old Peter is right.